Even though they are a genealogical gold mine, books are an often overlooked resource given the current popularity of online research.

There are hundreds of books that can aid you with Ontario genealogy. How-to books, local histories, atlases, transcriptions, indexes, and many more.

With how-to books you can learn how to tackle your Ontario roots, what resources are available and where.

With local histories you can learn about the area your ancestor lived in: how they lived, why they might migrate, who their neighbours were, and what shaped their world.

Books can give your genealogy a story, not just facts. And they can provide clues that may help you climb that brick wall!

This section is in two parts:
1. Discovering if a book exists
2. How to find a book that you know exists

1. Discovering if a book existsThe advice for discovering if a book exists is pretty much the same regardles of the type of book (history, atlas, etc.), except in the case of transcripts & indexes -- for the most part, local societies & archives are the ones who compile transcripts and indexes. And they use the sale of these books to fund their group (which keeps them in the business of helping you and other genealogists!). When seeking a transcript or index, check first with the local genealogy group or society.

Most localities will have at least one book written about them. The dilemma is finding the book. Some may no longer be in print and only available as reference books at local libraries or archives.

To find if a book about your area of research has been published, visit genealogy/history websites that cover your area of research, and write to:

Internet mailing lists that cover your area of research

The genealogy/history societies in your area of research

The library in your area of research

Any archives in your area of research

If requests to the above prove fruitless, write to the town/city council in your area of research. Or send a request to the National Library of Canada. Since at least the 1960's, all Canadian publishers are required to send the National Library 1-2 copies of each book published. If a book was published in Canada there's a chance the National Library knows about it. Take note that there are exceptions! Books published prior to the 1960's, small publications, or self-published publications may not be sent to the NLC.

Bibliographies are another option. These are books of, well, lists of books. A bibliography will give you the title of a book, author, date of publication, subject, keyword, and in some cases where you find the book.

If you learn about a book that is not yet listed here, that may be useful to another genealogist, please submit the information.

2. How to find a book that you know exists

When seeking a book your first step should be to find out as much about the book as possible, such as:

Title

Author

Publisher

Date of Publication

ISBN (International Standard Book Number; also known as ISSN: International Standard Serial Number)

Title & Author are a must, the other information is a bonus, especially the ISBN. Each book is assigned a unique ISBN, so even if there are several books with similar titles you'll know you have the right one if the ISBN matches.

Armed with this information you can then begin your search.

Follow the advice under "1. Discovering if a book exists" above, except apply it to where a copy is now and how you might obtain a copy (for purchase and/or loan).

Start first with your local library catalogue. If they do not have this book, request the book through inter-library loan.

Other options include your local Family History Centre (the main library in Salt Lake City has microfilmed thousands of books), and book sellers. Our links section offers links to various book sellers, but also keep auctions (eg., E-Bay) and second-hand (used books) shops in mind. And don't forget to network! Let people know what book you're seeking, post on mailing lists, add it to your e-mail signature. You never know who might have the book you're seeking gathering dust in their attic!

There are some books online. But like anything else, it's hit and miss. If you know of any full books (not just excerpts, but the entire book) online that would be helpful to Ontario research, please submit the information so we can provide links.